Dances of India

Dances of India marks its 40th anniversary this year, and of course the company will celebrate the occasion with a special performance. Devi of the Ashes -- Cinderella in India retells the fairy tale with an Indian twist. There are two Cinderellas in this version: the Cinderella of the present, who suffers under the demanding watch of her stepmother and vain stepsisters, and a past-life Cinderella, who has been through this once before. Devi of the Ashes features several guest artists, including Bangalore's Sanjay Shantaram, Kiran Rajagopalan (a St. Louis dancer now based in New York) and French-Canadian dancer Patrick Suzeau. Performances take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (November 17 and 18) at the Skip Viragh Center (425 South Lindbergh Boulevard; www.dancesofindiastlouis.org). There is a children's performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 19, as well. Tickets are $15 to $20.